President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Sunday pushed for stronger cooperation between the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and India in advancing the rule of law and peaceful settlement of maritime disputes to ensure stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

During the 22nd ASEAN-India Summit held as part of the three-day 47th ASEAN Leaders’ Summit and Related Summits held at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Center, Malaysia, President Marcos highlighted the common interest of the Philippines and India in upholding maritime rule of law.

“Foremost, as a maritime and archipelagic nation, I wish to highlight the great importance of the rule of law in our oceans,” President Marcos said in his intervention during the dialogue between ASEAN leaders with India’s Prime Minister Narenda Modi.

“Both ASEAN and India should see peaceful settlement of disputes and maritime cooperation as essential, as our seas contribute to the peace and prosperity of the Indo-Pacific region,” the President stressed.

President Marcos, who made a State Visit to India last August, said deeper cooperation between ASEAN and India is vital as Southeast Asia’s next-door neighbor which is poised to become the world’s fourth-largest economy has a lot to offer to ASEAN as a region.

“As a committed Dialogue Partner that recognizes ASEAN Centrality through its Act East Policy, which stresses ASEAN as a core pillar of its engagement policy, we may also turn our gaze to India for solutions to our common concerns,” said President Marcos.

The President thanked Prime Minister Modi for India’s consistent support for international law and the rule of law in the oceans.

“I also value the experience and support of India for the peaceful settlement of disputes and adherence to international law, particularly UNCLOS, which upholds our common interest as a community of nations to promote the peaceful uses of our seas and oceans, whether in the Bay of Bengal or the South China Sea,” said President Marcos, referring to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.

“By submitting itself to the judgment of an international tribunal to resolve its

maritime dispute, India, as a responsible major power and a good neighbor, should be seen as an example of how it uses international law to resolve differences,” added the President.

President Marcos said as ASEAN Chair next year, the Philippines looks forward to undertaking meaningful activities to celebrate the ASEAN-India Year of Maritime Cooperation in 2026, including the conduct of maritime exercises to promote freedom and safety of navigation in the Indo-Pacific region.

“The Philippines is confident that our activities to promote maritime cooperation are a testament to our shared determination to protect our trade and prosperity, and our freedoms,” said the President.

Meanwhile, President Marcos reaffirmed the Philippines’ strong support for the ongoing review of the ASEAN-India Trade in Goods Agreement (AITIGA), saying the “timely and meaningful upgrade of AITIGA will not only expand market access and strengthen supply chains, but also enhance ASEAN-India economic relations and reinforce the credibility of our regional integration agenda.”

President Marcos also called for deepening ASEAN-India cooperation on technological innovations, citing financial technology (fintech) and sustainable energy among the areas of cooperation.

On the political-security front, President Marcos recognized India’s strong support for ASEAN Centrality and active participation in ASEAN-led mechanisms which allowed closer cooperation in maritime security, disaster response, counter-terrorism, and cyber resilience. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. extended his warm congratulations to Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae on her historic election as Japan’s first woman Prime Minister, describing her leadership as a new chapter not only for Japan but for the entire region.

“We warmly welcome you to the ASEAN family, and we look forward to working closely with you in advancing our shared priorities,” President `Marcos said during his intervention at the 28th ASEAN-Japan Summit held at Kuala Lumpur International Convention Center in Malaysia on Sunday.

Highlighting over half a century of ASEAN–Japan partnership, President Marcos noted that Japan has cultivated a partnership with the regional bloc “grounded in trust, friendship, and common vision.”

“As Partners for Peace and Stability, ASEAN works closely with Japan in maritime security to advance regional stability, enhance maritime domain awareness, and strengthen our collective crisis response capabilities,” the President added.

President Marcos also reaffirmed the Philippines’ support for the Japan–ASEAN Ministerial Initiative for Enhanced Defense Cooperation (JASMINE) as a framework to advance defense cooperation in a rapidly evolving security environment, reinforcing shared commitment to a rules-based, free, and open Indo-Pacific.

On the economic front, President Marcos emphasized the Philippines’ commitment to implementing the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) and the ASEAN–Japan Comprehensive Economic Partnership (AJCEP).

The President also highlighted the Future Design and Action Plan 2023–2033, which emphasizes innovation, sustainability, and public–private partnerships, paving the way for ASEAN and Japan to lead in the green and digital economies, automotive innovation, and artificial intelligence.

President Marcos further underscored the importance of people-to-people ties as the bedrock of the ASEAN–Japan partnership.

“In a time marked by the shifting tides of geopolitics and uncertainty, it is our young people, our educators, our artists, and our cultural workers who carry forward the torch of understanding, empathy, and enduring friendship between our regions,” the President said.

Prime Minister Takaichi made history on 20 October 2025, as Japan’s first female prime minister. A member of the Liberal Democratic Party and a protégé of former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, she is known for her conservative stance on national security and economic policy.

This marks her first attendance at the ASEAN Summit, underscoring Japan’s commitment to regional cooperation and partnership with ASEAN nations. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. reaffirmed the Philippines’ strong support for the Republic of Korea’s (ROK) cooperation with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), aligned with the regional bloc’s three community pillars such as political-security, economic, and socio-cultural.

During his intervention at the 26th ASEAN-ROK Summit on Monday, President Marcos underscored the Philippines’ appreciation for the ROK’s initiatives in cybersecurity, citing the ASEAN Cyber Shield (ACS) Project as a key effort in building capacity and training cybersecurity experts across the ASEAN region.

“We note the ROK’s initiatives on cybersecurity, such as the ASEAN Cyber Shield (ACS) Project, which aims to build capacity and train cybersecurity experts across the ASEAN Region, thereby enhancing ASEAN’s overall cybersecurity response capabilities,” the President said on the second-day of his participation at the 47th ASEAN Summits and Related Summits in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

On maritime cooperation, President Marcos underlined ROK’s vital role in promoting regional peace, stability, and sustainable development.

President Marcos recognized the ROK as a valued partner in advancing ASEAN’s maritime priorities, anchored on a rules-based international order and the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

President Marcos also said that the Philippines looks forward to co-chairing with the ROK and the United States the upcoming ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) Workshop on Best Practices for Port State Measures to Combat Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) Fishing.

Citing the Philippines’ vulnerability to natural disasters, President Marcos welcomed the ASEAN Standards and Certification for Experts in Disaster Management (ASCEND) program—funded by the ASEAN-Korea Cooperation Fund (AKCF)—which aims to enhance human resource capabilities in disaster management through standardized skills and competencies across ASEAN member states.

On the economic front, President Marcos welcomed the launch of negotiations to upgrade the ASEAN-Korea Free Trade Area (AKFTA)—a timely move to strengthen economic ties and ensure that the ASEAN-Korea partnership remains relevant amid global challenges.

The President emphasized that the review of the AKFTA is an important signal of shared determination to keep markets open and to push back against growing protectionist tendencies, reaffirming both ASEAN and Korea’s commitment
to transparency, fairness, and cooperation in trade.

President Marcos also lauded the ROK’s continued support for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and startup development, highlighting the ASEAN-Korea Centre’s initiatives such as the annual ASEAN-Korea Startup Week, which provides a valuable platform for ASEAN entrepreneurs to engage in networking and capacity-building activities with their Korean counterparts.

Under the Socio-Cultural Community Pillar, the President expressed the Philippines’ appreciation for ROK’s initiatives that foster cultural exchange and people-to-people connectivity.

The Chief Executive cited programs such as the ASEAN-ROK Film Community Programme, the ASEAN-Korea Music Festival, and KONNECT ASEAN, an art and culture program that empowers creatives and contributes to the growth of creative industries across the region.

President Marcos also commended the ROK’s active support for ASEAN’s environmental sustainability efforts, particularly through projects like Clean Air for Sustainable ASEAN (CASA) and the ASEAN-Korea Cooperation for Methane Mitigation (AKCMM).

According to the President, such initiatives reflect the shared vision of a sustainable and resilient ASEAN Community.

“I am confident that ASEAN and the ROK will continue to work together to advance peace, prosperity, and security in our region because we are guided by a common goal of uplifting the lives of our peoples,” the President said. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Sunday reaffirmed the Philippines’ steadfast commitment to peace, stability, and the rule of law in the region, emphasizing that the Philippines will remain firm, calm, and resolute in defending its sovereignty and ensuring the safety of its personnel, vessels, and aircraft in the West Philippine Sea.

During his intervention at the 28th ASEAN–Japan Summit in Kuala Lumpur, attended by newly elected Japanese Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae, President Marcos expressed deep concern over continuing incidents in the West Philippine Sea, including dangerous maneuvers and coercive actions that interfere with legitimate Philippine activities.

President Marcos stressed that these actions constitute violations of international law, particularly the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

“On the South China Sea, it is regrettable that incidents continue to occur in the West Philippine Sea that have put the lives of Philippine personnel and the safety of our vessels and aircraft at risk,” President Marcos said.

Despite these challenges, the President reaffirmed that the Philippines remains committed to the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC) and to achieving an effective, substantive, and legally consistent Code of Conduct (COC) that upholds international law and ensures stability in the region.

“These incidents notwithstanding, the Philippines will continue to remain firm, calm, and resolute in its commitment to the full implementation of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC) and to achieving productive negotiations towards a Code of Conduct that is effective, substantive, and consistent with international law, particularly UNCLOS,” the President stressed.

“This commitment is shared throughout all levels of the government, which desires to conclude an effective and substantive Code of Conduct that can effectively govern the behavior of parties at sea,” President Marcos added.

With regard to the situation in the Korean Peninsula, President Marcos expressed serious concern over the continued ballistic missile launches conducted by the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK).

“We renew our call on the DPRK to promptly cease these activities and abide by all international obligations, including relevant United Nations Security Council Resolutions, and to commit to peaceful and constructive dialogue,” the President urged.

Meanwhile, President Marcos raised with Prime Minister Takaichi the urgent need to address pressing humanitarian concerns, including the long-standing issue of abduction of Japanese citizens, and reaffirmed the Philippines’ commitment to supporting a just and lasting resolution to the matter. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. affirmed that the Philippines is ready to lead the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) as Chair in 2026, with particular focus on advancing practical, inclusive, and measurable initiatives that directly benefit the peoples of Southeast Asia.

“As the incoming ASEAN Chair in 2026, the Philippines is prepared to lead the first year of implementation of the ASEAN Community Vision 2045 and its Strategic Plans,” President Marcos said during his intervention at the 47th ASEAN Summit Plenary held at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Center on Sunday.

“We recognize the responsibility of translating long-term aspirations into immediate, concrete action. Our focus will be on initiatives that are practical, inclusive, and measurable,” the President added.

The President underscored that ASEAN’s success will not be judged by the number of policies or frameworks it produces, but by how effectively these initiatives improve the daily lives of its people.

President Marcos also called for unity and cooperation among ASEAN Member States in navigating a time of global uncertainty, stressing that collective action and shared purpose are key to sustaining peace and progress in the region.

“While each of us may hold distinct priorities, ideals, and aspirations, let us remember that what we decide in this room must echo those of the people we serve,” the President said.

“The Philippines is honored to continue the work of those who came before us, and to carry forward the spirit of cooperation that has defined ASEAN since its founding. With conviction and with unity, let us navigate the future, together,” President Marcos added.

The Philippines has hosted the ASEAN Summit four times in 1987, 1999, 2006, and 2017. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. recognized the United States’ active role in supporting the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) across its three community pillars namely political-security, economic, and socio-cultural.

During his intervention at the ASEAN-US Summit on Monday, President Marcos thanked the United States for its steadfast support in promoting peaceful and sustainable seas.

“We acknowledge the United States’ continued support by co-chairing the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) Training Series and Best Practice Manual on International Ship and Port Facility Security Code from 2021-2024, an important initiative aimed at enhancing capacity in the shipping and seafaring industry in ASEAN,” President Marcos said.

The President said the Philippines is looking forward to co-chairing with the United States and the Republic of Korea (ROK) the upcoming ARF Workshop on Best Practices for Port State Measures to Combat Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) Fishing, which will strengthen maritime security and sustainability.

President Marcos expressed deep concern over dangerous maneuvers and coercive actions that interfere with legitimate Philippine activities in the West Philippine Sea.

The President said these actions violate international law, particularly the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

“On the South China Sea, it is regrettable that incidents continue to occur in the West Philippine Sea that have put the lives of Philippine personnel and the safety of our vessels and aircraft at risk which violates not only Philippine sovereignty but also the traditional fishing rights of Filipinos, as guaranteed by the 1982 UNCLOS, and the final and binding 2016 South China Sea Arbitration Award, and domestic law,” President Marcos said.

“These incidents notwithstanding, the Philippines will continue to remain firm, calm, and resolute in its commitment to the full implementation of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC) and to achieving productive negotiations towards a Code of Conduct that is effective, substantive, and consistent with international law, particularly UNCLOS,” President Marcos stressed.

“This commitment is shared throughout all levels of the government, which desires to conclude an effective and substantive Code of Conduct that can effectively govern the behavior of parties at sea,” the President added.

In tackling transnational crime and terrorism, President Marcos highlighted ongoing collaboration under the ASEAN Plus United States Senior Officials Meeting on Transnational Crime (SOMTC + U.S.) Consultations, focusing on human trafficking, cybercrime, illicit drugs, terrorism, and wildlife and timber trafficking.

The President said that he also looks forward to the Philippines’ co-chairing the 22nd ARF Inter-Sessional Meeting on Counter-Terrorism and Transnational Crime.

“This cooperation is of particular importance to ASEAN, including the Philippines, as we continue to confront emerging challenges such as scam hubs, cybercrimes, and other forms of transnational crime that threaten our region’s peace and security,” President Marcos said.

On the economic front, President Marcos stressed the value of the ASEAN-US Trade and Investment Facilitation Arrangement in supporting trade, MSME development, digital economy initiatives, cybersecurity, and sustainability.

“We recognize that the global economic landscape is marked by uncertainty. ASEAN values its partnership with the United States and seeks to build practical, strategic, and forward-looking collaboration that delivers concrete outcomes for our businesses and citizens alike,” the President said.

President Marcos also noted continued initiatives of ASEAN and the United States to promote people-to-people exchanges that deepen mutual understanding and foster shared values.

The President acknowledged US-supported people-to-people programs, such as Fulbright Scholarship Programs and the Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative (YSEALI), as vital for fostering mutual understanding and developing future regional leaders.

“We hope that these valuable initiatives will continue to promote understanding and strengthen lasting connections among our future leaders,” President Marcos said.

In closing, President Marcos welcomed the adoption of the ASEAN–United States Joint Vision Statement, calling it a strategic framework that aligns with ASEAN’s long-term vision and strengthens collaboration for peace, stability, and prosperity in the region.

“This important document embodies our shared aspirations and aligns closely with both the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific and the ASEAN Community Vision 2045,” the President said. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has called on his fellow leaders of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to seize opportunities to lead the region toward greater stability and progress, in close partnership and cooperation with external allies.

During his intervention at the 47th ASEAN Summit Plenary held at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Center on Sunday, President Marcos commended Malaysia’s capable leadership in guiding ASEAN toward development and adoption of key milestones that advance the region’s community-building efforts.

“ASEAN, as we know today, has evolved to become a pivotal player in global affairs,” President Marcos said. “It is incumbent upon us to seize this opportunity and lead our region towards strengthened stability and progress, alongside our partners.”

The President reaffirmed the Philippines’ support for the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific and its alignment with other Indo-Pacific policies and strategies, guided by the principle of ASEAN Centrality.

President Marcos stressed that ASEAN’s approach must focus on fostering cooperation rather than competition.

“Under these commitments, the Philippines urges our partners to enhance our engagements where mutual benefits will prosper,” the President said.

“Let us pursue broader dialogue and deeper cooperation in the maritime sphere and the economic domain,” President Marcos added.

The Chief Executive noted that the commitments are not mere declarations of resolve but must be translated into consistent and concrete action from all parties concerned.

“Our continued pursuit of these measures is not just a protest nor an empty call. It is a solemn obligation to our people, to their livelihoods and communities, and to the values we have pledged to uphold,” President Marcos said.

President Marcos reiterated that the Philippines will continue to pursue mutually beneficial dialogue and cooperation between ASEAN and its external partners, in line with international law, particularly the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

The President underscored that the Philippines is proud to be part of the growing family of States Parties to the UNCLOS on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ Agreement), describing the agreement as a milestone in addressing biodiversity loss and the degradation of ocean ecosystems.

“We commend the initiatives that ensure a peaceful, secure, and just environment in the region,” President Marcos said.

The President likewise commended the gains made by the ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Transnational Crime in addressing emerging regional challenges.

President Marcos also expressed support for initiatives that strengthen functional cooperation, dialogue, and capacity-building among ASEAN Member States and Dialogue Partners as measures to promote peace and stability in the region.

Recognizing Malaysia’s successful chairmanship, President Marcos commended the country for completing its deliverables under the theme “Inclusivity and Sustainability.”

President Marcos welcomed the signing of the Second Protocol to Amend the ASEAN Trade in Goods Agreement (ATIGA), reaffirming ASEAN’s commitment to keeping regional markets open, competitive, and responsive to global economic shifts.

The President noted that the Philippines looks forward to the ASEAN-China Free Trade Area 3.0 Upgrade, as well as the substantial conclusion of the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement and the ASEAN-India Trade in Goods Agreement, which will enhance transparency, stability, and predictability across the region—building confidence among businesses and sustaining ASEAN’s role as a driver of global growth.

President Marcos also reaffirmed the Philippines’ strong support for the ASEAN Infrastructure Fund, highlighting infrastructure development as a cornerstone of ASEAN’s resilience amid global uncertainties.

The President also emphasized the Philippines’ commitment to a future-ready ASEAN where inclusivity and sustainability are upheld through concrete action.

President Marcos added that the Philippines continues to expand social protection coverage, strengthen community-based welfare systems, and promote adaptive social protection in response to disasters and climate-related risks.

The President further reaffirmed the Philippines’ dedication to advancing regional cooperation in health, education, environment, labor, youth, and human rights.

President Marcos also highlighted the importance of the upcoming Post-2025 ASEAN Strategic Plan on Environment (ASPEN) as a unified framework to address the triple planetary threats of climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution.

The President then welcomed the completion of the Strategic Plans of the three ASEAN pillars, noting that these will be essential tools to guide the implementation of the ASEAN Community Vision 2045 and ensure that ASEAN’s goals are effectively realized. | PND

Malacañang said Philippine enterprises stand to benefit from two trade agreements formally signed during the 47th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit and Related Summits held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia from October 26 to 28.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., together with his regional counterparts, witnessed the handover ceremony on the Second Protocol to Amend the ASEAN Trade in Goods Agreement (ATIGA), during the ASEAN Leaders’ Summit Plenary on Sunday.

President Marcos and other leaders from ASEAN and China are expected to lead the signing ceremony of the ASEAN-China Free Trade Area 3.0 Upgrade on Tuesday.

According to Frederick D. Go, Special Assistant to the President on Investment and Economic Affairs (SAPIEA), the enhanced ATIGA addresses current trade challenges and offers significant benefits through improvements in trade facilitation, transparency and dispute settlement, and the inclusion of new and emerging trade elements.

In a statement issued through Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro, Go said certified traders stand to benefit from the expedited cargo clearance throughout ASEAN through the mutual recognition of Authorized Economic Operators (AEOs).

Businesses will find it easier to comply with administrative requirements on self-declaration of origin, with the implementation of the Electronic Certificate of Origin (e-Form D) and the acceptance of digital documentation.

Go said the strengthened transparency and cooperation provisions of the Agreement will enable ASEAN member-states to better respond to the potential impacts of new trade policies.

“These provisions are particularly beneficial for micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), enabling them to prepare for regulatory changes and mitigate adverse effects,” Go emphasized.

Go also said the inclusion of new and emerging issues such as provisions on remanufactured goods, opens avenues for future growth across ASEAN.

In a separate statement issued through the Palace Press Officer, Department of Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro, said the ASEAN-China Free Trade Area (ACFTA) 3.0 Upgrade opens new opportunities for cooperation in areas vital to the region’s future, including the green and digital economies and sustainable supply chain connectivity.

“The ASEAN-China Free Trade Area has long been one of ASEAN’s most important economic partnerships. Now, with the 3.0 Upgrade, both sides are working to make this partnership more modern, more comprehensive, and better aligned with today’s global realities,” Lazaro said.

Lazaro said the Upgraded Protocol also empowers MSMEs to participate more fully in regional value chains, while the strengthened frameworks on fair competition and consumer protection will help ensure inclusive and sustainable growth.

The ACFTA 3.0 Upgrade has included guidance on the following aspects of trade: Competition and Consumer Protection; Digital Economy; Green Economy; Supply Chain Connectivity; and Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises.

The original ACFTA provided guidance on Trade in Goods; Rules of Origin; Customs Procedures and Trade Facilitation; Standards, Technical Regulations, and Conformity Assessment Procedures; Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures; Trade in Services; Investment; and Economic and Technical Cooperation. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Sunday held separate bilateral meetings with leaders from the European Union (EU) and Japan on the sidelines of the 47th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit and Related Summits in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, underscoring the Philippines’ commitment to deepening partnerships with ASEAN’s dialogue partners.

During President Marcos’ meeting with President of the European Council António Costa, the EU leader expressed well wishes and full support for the Philippines’ upcoming Chairship of ASEAN in 2026.

The two leaders emphasized the importance of continued engagement and collaboration in trade and reaffirmed commitment to multilateralism and strengthening on the international rules-based order.

President Marcos also held his first bilateral meeting with Japan’s newly elected Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae, personally extending his congratulations to the new head of state.

Both leaders looked forward to celebrating the 70th anniversary of the normalization of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and Japan in 2026.

President Marcos highlighted the deepening cooperation between the two countries in the defense and security sector, particularly noting the entry into force of the Reciprocal Access Agreement (RAA) between the Philippines and Japan in September 2025.

The two leaders also underscored the importance of the Philippines–United States-Japan Trilateral Cooperation as a cornerstone of regional peace, stability, and development. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. is ready to release his Statement of Assets, Liabilities, and Net Worth (SALN) to the proper authorities, including the Office of the Ombudsman, as long as the process follows the proper procedures set by the anti-corruption body.

In a press briefing in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on Sunday, Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said the President has already made clear that he would adhere to the established guidelines regarding the release of SALNs of public officials.

“Unang-una, nagsalita na ang Pangulo at siya ay handa naman pong ibigay at ipakita ang kanyang SALN sa proper authority,” Castro said.

“At mayroon naman po na tayong rules or procedure na inilahad ang Ombudsman at sinabi din naman dito na lahat ng request for SALN ay pagbibigyan pero may mga certain guidelines na ibinigay ang Ombudsman. So, ang ehekutibo ay tutugon dito,” she added.

Castro echoed the statement of Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin that SALNs should not be used “indiscriminately” as weapons for political attacks or to discredit government officials.

She confirmed that Cabinet officials held an informal discussion on the issue on Saturday, where they agreed to act in accordance with the Ombudsman’s procedures.

“Kahapon nagkaroon lamang sila ng informal meeting at napag-usapan nga ito… But still nandiyan naman ang procedure na inilahad ng Ombudsman at ang bawat isa naman ay tutugon dito,” said Castro. | PND